Skal Europe: Bertrand, cruising has often been seen as a major polluter. How is the industry addressing sustainability?
Bertrand Petyt: It’s true, cruising does impact the environment. However, the industry is leading in innovative sustainable practices. Although we represent a small fraction of the global fleet, around 80% of maritime sustainable innovations come from the cruise sector. Companies like Ausonia Cruise Holdings are at the forefront, investing only in truly sustainable cruise projects and aligning funds with priorities that foster these innovations.
Skal Europe: Can you give us examples of these innovations?
Bertrand Petyt: Absolutely. At Ausonia Cruise Holdings, we focus on transitioning to sustainable fuels like LNG (Liquid Natural Gas). While LNG significantly improves traditional marine fuels, it is only a transitional technology. We’re also exploring new propulsion technologies expected to emerge within the next 5 to 10 years, which could drastically reduce environmental impact. Enhancing shore-side electricity connections is another key area, but ports must proactively install the necessary infrastructure. This technology allows ships to connect to local power grids, reducing emissions while docked. We also use advanced air quality systems to reduce exhaust particles by up to 90%, making immediate environmental improvements.
Skal Europe: How does your approach extend beyond just fuel and emissions?
Bertrand Petyt: We adopt a holistic approach, including noise-reduced propellers to protect marine life and non-toxic hull paints to lower fuel consumption and toxicity. Noise pollution is extremely detrimental to marine life, creating stress for marine animals. Studies, such as those conducted in Alaska, have shown that noise-reduced propulsion systems can significantly lower stress levels in marine life. We also avoid mass-market tourism impacts by optimizing port calls and ensuring our visits benefit local communities without adverse effects. This involves reviewing port density practices and spreading out the tourism impact to avoid overwhelming local resources. Sustainable sourcing of food is another crucial aspect, focusing on local provisions to reduce environmental impact and support authenticity.
Skal Europe: What specific measures do you take to ensure minimal environmental impact?
Bertrand Petyt: Our waste-water treatment and recycling protocols exceed current legislation, ensuring zero adverse impact on oceans. For example, we have significantly reduced plastic waste, cutting out 12,000 plastic bottles per ship annually. We also focus on drag-reducing hull paints and advanced recycling practices to protect marine environments. This involves using environmentally friendly materials and methods to reduce the ship’s overall ecological footprint. Additionally, our commitment to strict environmental standards means continually updating and improving our practices to stay ahead of regulatory requirements.
Skal Europe: What drives these efforts?
Bertrand Petyt: We aim to be brutally honest about our challenges and work towards solutions. I’m optimistic because many in the industry are dedicated to these goals. Our collaboration with other tourism industry actors, through Skal International, enhances our efforts towards a sustainable future. This commitment extends to our stakeholders, aligning investments with sustainable innovations. We believe that transparency and accountability are key to driving progress and maintaining trust with our guests, partners, and the communities we visit.
Skal Europe: Can you share your vision for the future of cruising?
Bertrand Petyt: Our goal is to be carbon-negative by 2050. This requires continuous innovation and a commitment from all stakeholders. It’s an exciting challenge, and I’m proud to be part of a company and an industry moving towards these ambitious goals. We also emphasize the need for better collaboration across the tourism industry, leveraging our Skal International membership to drive these initiatives forward. By working together, we can share best practices, support each other in overcoming challenges, and accelerate the adoption of sustainable technologies and practices.
Skal Europe: What role does Skal International play in these efforts?
Bertrand Petyt: Skal International is the largest travel and tourism organization worldwide, with over 12,000 members dedicated to ensuring a bright future for the tourism industry. Through our continued membership, Ausonia Cruise Holdings benefits from a global network of professionals committed to sustainability. Skal International fosters collaboration, innovation, and best practices across the industry, helping us achieve our sustainability goals. By participating in Skal events and initiatives, we stay informed about the latest trends and developments in sustainable tourism and contribute to shaping the industry’s future.
Skal Europe: Thank you, Bertrand, for sharing these insights. It’s inspiring to see the cruise industry’s dedication to sustainability.
Bertrand Petyt: Thank you for the opportunity. It’s a privilege to be part of this important conversation and to work towards a more sustainable future for cruising and tourism as a whole.
About Bertrand Petyt
Bertrand Petyt is a distinguished figure in the cruise industry, currently serving as the Senior Director of Hotel Operations and COO for Ausonia Cruise Holdings. He is also a Director of Skal International and a dedicated member of Skal Cote d’Azur. Bertrand brings extensive expertise in sustainable cruising practices, driving innovations that significantly reduce the environmental impact of cruise operations. His leadership and commitment to sustainability are instrumental in steering the cruise industry towards a greener and more responsible future.
